Medically Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on November 17, 2022
Question 1/16

Pain during menstruation is "normal."

  • True
  • False
Question 2/16

Menstrual pain is considered abnormal "dysmenorrhea" when:

  • Over-the-counter medications don't work
  • Pain begins on the first day of the menstrual period
  • Pain lasts an entire menstrual period
  • Pain prevents you from engaging in normal activities
Question 3/16

Which of the following is a potential symptom of dysmenorrhea?

  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • All of the above
Question 4/16

Painful periods are the second leading cause of absences at school or work among women in their teens and 20s.

  • True
  • False
Question 5/16

Women with painful periods should avoid sex.

  • True
  • False
Question 6/16

Painful periods can be caused by endometriosis, a condition that occurs when endometrial tissue, which lines the inside of the uterus, begins to:

  • Swell
  • Hemorrhage
  • Calcify
  • Develop in other parts of the body
Question 7/16

Painful periods can be caused by fibroids, which are:

  • Benign tumors of the uterus
  • Malignant tumors of the uterus
  • A type of ovarian cyst
  • None of the above
Question 8/16

You should see a doctor if you have severe menstrual cramps or cramps that last for:

  • More than a day
  • More than two or three days
  • An entire menstrual period
  • Two consecutive menstrual periods
Question 9/16

You're more likely to experience menstrual cramps or prolonged pain if you:

  • Smoke
  • Drink alcohol
  • Have heavy periods
  • All of the above
Question 10/16

Most menstrual pain occurs during which phase of the cycle?

  • During ovulation
  • Just after ovulation
  • When the egg moves into one of the fallopian tubes
  • When the uterus sheds its lining
Question 11/16

Acupressure and acupuncture can help prevent painful periods.

  • True
  • False
Question 12/16

Which of the following may help ease menstrual pain?

  • Thiamine
  • Caffeine
  • Sodium chloride
  • Guar gum
Question 13/16

Meditation and other stress-reducing techniques can help ease menstrual pain.

  • True
  • False
Question 14/16

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can ease menstrual pain. Which of the following is an example of an NSAID?

  • Estrogen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Tetracycline
  • None of the above
Question 15/16

Which of the following treatments for painful periods thins the inner lining of the uterus?

  • NSAIDs
  • Birth control pills
  • Heat treatments
  • None of the above
Question 16/16

Menstrual pain may ease after childbirth.

  • True
  • False